How many flights of stairs must one carry a sack of rice up?

"The Demon on the Court?" Tezuka and Fuji echoed the phrase with puzzled voices, while Akira Matsubara showed a hint of surprise. If he guessed correctly, this 'Demon on the Court' must refer to Jin Akutsu.

"The man known as the Demon on the Court is called Jin Akutsu. He's currently a first-year student at Yamabuki Middle School," Kanzuki said with a smile, pushing aside his bangs.

"Yamabuki Middle isn't particularly famous, but it's definitely stronger than our Evergreen Academy. If Akutsu is so talented, he must be one of Yamabuki's top players. It would be difficult to persuade him to leave and join us," Fuji mused quietly, rubbing his chin.

Tezuka nodded slightly as well. The title 'Demon on the Court' sounded anything but friendly.

"You can be absolutely sure about this. I'm an expert in intelligence and data analysis. Given Akutsu's personality, he has no real attachment to Yamabuki. If I go to recruit him for Evergreen, the chances of success are much higher," Kanzuki assured them.

Neither Tezuka nor Fuji objected; indeed, Kanzuki was excellent at gathering information, able to discern strengths and weaknesses and tailor his approach accordingly.

"However, before recruiting Jin Akutsu, I hope Matsubara can accompany me," Kanzuki added, a little embarrassed. "You know, Akutsu's reputation as a 'Demon on the Court' isn't just for show. Even privately, he's a dangerous person. Matsubara's tennis skills are exceptional; if anything goes wrong between me and Akutsu, it would be good to have support."

Kanzuki had been nodding along silently until he suggested Matsubara accompany him. Since Kanzuki was so familiar with Akutsu's personality, Matsubara wondered, why would he need him?

"But Matsubara doesn't know much about Yamabuki, nor is he familiar with Jin Akutsu. I doubt he'd be much help—he might even hold you back," Fuji interjected before Matsubara could speak.

"But Fuji, you know my abilities. Although I'm skilled in data and intelligence, Akutsu isn't just a star on the tennis court; he's outstanding in other aspects too. Going alone... is actually quite risky," Kanzuki replied.

At this, Matsubara understood Kanzuki's true motive. He was simply afraid Akutsu would lash out; Matsubara vaguely recalled that in the original story, Akutsu injured Arai upon their first meeting, and later wounded Kato Katsuro and Ryoma Echizen.

But from Kanzuki's perspective, Matsubara was no different from the others. Except for his tennis skills, he wouldn't stand a chance against Akutsu in a fight. Only Matsubara himself knew he had a secret ability to protect himself. With this in mind, Matsubara suspected Kanzuki might have ulterior motives; truly, a leopard never changes its spots. Very well, Kanzuki, you sly fox, you certainly know how to play.

Matsubara's expression darkened subtly.

"Fuji, since Jin Akutsu is so talented, I think it's wise to send more people. You've seen Matsubara's abilities—he's no pushover," Tezuka said, arms crossed.

"Alright, since Tezuka insists, I have no objections," Fuji replied, nodding almost imperceptibly and flashing a gentle smile.

"Actually... I do know something about Akutsu," Matsubara said, glancing at Tezuka, then Fuji, and finally at the boy beside him. "His name is Taiichi Tani; he'll transfer to Yamabuki Middle tomorrow. In fact, he's already had some interactions with Akutsu."

"Hello, my name is Taiichi Tani!" The boy with deep blue hair, who had been left out until now, extended his hand in a friendly self-introduction.

Fuji smiled and greeted him, while Tezuka seemed momentarily dazed before nodding. For an instant, he felt the boy looked somewhat like Seiichi Yukimura whom he met a year ago.

"I've learned about Akutsu from Taiichi. He's not really as dangerous as people say, isn't that right?" Matsubara smiled at Taiichi, who blinked and nodded energetically like a pecking chick. "Akutsu is actually a very good person. He's not dangerous at all!"

"Since we're only recruiting a player, there's no need to trouble Kanzuki. I can handle it alone," Matsubara said, looking at Kanzuki.

Seeing Matsubara's earnest expression, Kanzuki scratched his head a bit awkwardly and laughed. "Since you know Akutsu well, that's perfect. I can focus on arranging proper training at school, especially with so many new members joining soon."

"Since that's settled, I'll leave the recruitment of Jin Akutsu to you, Matsubara. Do your best!" Tezuka advised steadily, his gaze resting on the boy.

"Yes, sir!" Matsubara replied cheerfully.

Leaving the tennis court, Matsubara grew ever more suspicious of Kanzuki's intentions, though he wasn't worried about any tricks Kanzuki might try.

Not only did he possess the Universal Pull, which attracted all things, and Almighty Push, which repelled anything, he also had Time Flash, allowing him to pause time, and Ultra Instinct, enabling reflexive counterattacks without conscious thought. Whether it was tennis or a fight, Matsubara could handle anything Akutsu might throw at him.

Of course, if Kanzuki truly intended to use Akutsu to harm him for some secret purpose, Matsubara wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson—perhaps Kanzuki would discover just how many floors a bag of rice can be carried up!

He opened his system panel and checked his skills, since he wasn't sure when he'd next look.

Name: Akira Matsubara
Foreign Name: Matsubara Mei
Gender: Male
Age: 12
Birthday: March 25
Blood Type: A
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 40 kg
Affiliation: Evergreen Academy
Skills:

Universal Pull: Consumes a small amount of stamina. Centered on the user or a designated object, exerts powerful attraction on a target. The user can freely decide the target and strength of the pull.
Additionally, this skill isn't limited to drawing opponents to oneself; if needed, targets can be moved elsewhere at will.

Almighty Push: Consumes a small amount of stamina. Centered on the user or a designated object, repels all obstacles in the vicinity. The user can freely decide the target and strength of the repulsion.
The drawback is that it's not irresistible; if used on an object the user can't repel, the recoil may push the user away instead.

Time Flash: Consumes a large amount of stamina. Allows the user to leap 0.1 seconds in time, during which the user experiences more than 0.1 seconds and can freely overwhelm opponents. The skill grows with use, extending the duration of the pause.
Drawbacks include vulnerability to opponents who anticipate its use or interrupt it beforehand.

Ultra Instinct: Consumes a large amount of stamina. Allows conditional reflex movement using all parts of the body without mental deliberation, greatly increasing speed, strength, and reaction. The initial stage is 'Sign of Instinct,' followed by the second stage, 'Perfect Instinct.'
The first stage requires extreme external stimulus; the second stage requires inner peace, a mind free of distractions, and a return to the self.